News Archive - March 2013

Bangladeshi workers arrested for UK immigration crimes

Two workers at a Weymouth restaurant have been arrested for UK immigration crimes.

UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers arrested the two Bangladeshi workers at the Balti House restaurant on Commercial Road after information was sent to the immigration authorities. Staff at the restaurant were interviewed and the individuals in question have since been transferred to an immigration detention centre ahead of their removal from the country.

The Balti House is now facing a fine of up to £20,000 for employing the illegal workers. It will be required to provide evidence that right to work checks were carried out before the two were employed if it wants to avoid this expense.

Phil Reay, from the UKBA, commented: "We are creating a hostile environment for illegal immigrants and offenders should know that there is no hiding place in Dorset. Illegal immigration puts undue pressure on public services, local communities and legitimate businesses."

He added that both illegal workers and the businesses that employ them are the target of immigration officials as the authorities look to crack down on these working practices.

In this case, the employees were working in the kitchens at the restaurant. The 24-year-old was a failed asylum seeker who failed to leave the country when his protection claim was rejected. His co-worker, a 46-year-old man, was found to have overstayed his UK visa.

The news comes as a UKBA team in Wakefield have arrested six illegal workers at a bed factory in Wakefield. The individuals were all men from Pakistan and India and had either entered the country illegally or were overstaying their visas.